Most people are familiar with “landscaping,” but not everyone has heard of “hardscaping.”

Merriam-Webster defines hardscape as “structures (such as fountains, benches, or gazebos) that are incorporated into a landscape.” That contrasts with softscape, which is “vegetation (such as shrubs and flowers) that is incorporated into a landscape.”

Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements built into an environment, which are typically hard and long-lasting. Concrete, wood and stone are frequently used for hardscape projects.

Some common examples include sidewalks, retaining walls, patios, decks, fountains, bird baths, irrigation and sprinkler systems, pavers, walkways, raised flower beds, etc.

Hardscaping normally takes place prior to softscaping, because it provides the foundation for both function and appearance.

Good hardscaping must account for things like the proper flow of water across the entire landscaped area – conserving water in the places it is most needed during dry periods, but allowing for the speedy and efficient removal of excess water when heavy storms hit. It also often provides structure upon which vegetation can be arranged and displayed.

So, do you need hardscape work for your home? That depends. If the existing hardscaping is still performing in the way it was designed, and isn’t breaking down physically, you may only need to replace the trees, flowers and shrubs to transform and update the appearance of your yard.

On the other hand, if you are beginning to see problems with water flow – flooding or insufficient irrigation, you may want to have some work done on your hardscaping and drainage. The same applies if you want major structural changes to an older design, or if you want to replace what you have with a more contemporary look.

Because hardscaping affects your entire yard (and perhaps your neighbors’ too, if not done properly), it’s a good idea to work with a professional before making major changes. Petty’s Irrigation, Landscape and Pest Control has worked on homes and businesses across East Texas for decades, and hardscaping is just one of the services we offer. Contact us at info@pettys.com or 800-258-9184 to request a quote or get more information.